New to sailing, good places to practice around SF bay area?

Hey Everyone,

I recently picked up an old Hobie that's in great condition. I've taken her out every weekend last month with friends at either lake sonoma and lake berrysessa and its been alot of fun. However there hasn't been much wind at either of those lakes maybe 5-10mph tops (could be the time of year) and I feel like I need a bit more gust to really practice.

I sailed alot in highschool, (over 10 years ago) on a sunfish so I know the basics. I'm in no way ready to launch out in the the San Francisco bay either but I'd love to get some more recommendations for good places to sail or milder places of the bay where a novice can be challenged.

thx, elliot

Hook up with Fleet 281 at their monthly fun sails on Tomales Bay.
http://www.hobiefleet281.com

Fleet 20 has fun sails at Woodward Reservoir.
http://72.29.79.3/~hobiefle/

Fleet 2 has fun sails in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
http://www.hobiefleet2.com

Fleet 259 is resurrected and is attracting sailors to their events on the Central Coast.
http://www.hobiefleet259.com

And Division 3 has a bunch of regattas that will take your sailing skills to a whole nother level.
http://www.div3.hobieclass.com

If you're looking to do your own thing then Central Valley lakes are a good choice.
Lake Camanche
New Hogan Reservoir
Woodward Reservoir
Rio Vista - winds can be mighty strong though
Clear Lake - not Central Valley, check the algae bloom and lake grass status before going

Bay launches are not as friendly because public access sites don't allow camping, but Crown Beach in Alameda has good beach access if you have beach wheels and a couple strong guys to help get the boat back up the steep drop from the parking lot to the water. Also, learn to read a tide chart so you don't plan a day when the tide is really low.

Contact the Redwood City Marina for info on launching from there. It's supposed to be very good sailing there.